Ever wonder how Queenstown is preparing for a sustainable tourism future post-COVID? Join us as we sit down with Mat Woods, Chief Executive of Destination Queenstown, to uncover the meticulous creation of a destination management plan aimed at balancing growth with sustainability. Gain valuable insights into how the community's extensive input over two years has shaped this visionary roadmap, and discover the shifts in tourism dynamics that now see visitors staying longer and engaging more de...
Ever wondered what it takes to transform a modest, volunteer-driven sports program into a powerhouse of high-performance excellence? Join us as we unravel the remarkable journey of New Zealand's adaptive snow sports program with insights from adaptive snow sports expert Jane Stevens and Paralympic skiing champion Adam Hall. Adam sheds light on how the structured program and world-class support have been instrumental in his success on the international stage, while Jane reflects on the profoun...
Have you ever wondered what happens if you die without a will? Discover the crucial importance of having a will, regardless of your age or financial status, in our insightful conversation with Steve Brent from RVG Law in Queenstown. Steve explains the legal challenges and financial burdens that can arise when someone passes away intestate, and provides practical guidance on who should consider creating a will. We also unpack common misconceptions about the necessity of having a will and walk ...
How did Roost evolve from a humble garage startup to a multi-award-winning mortgage brokerage? Join us as Mark Pullar and Toby Stanley reveal the inspiring journey behind Roost's success. Hear Mark recount the early days of launching the business in 2017 fueled by his passion for property and wealth creation, leading to an impressive expansion to a 15-member team and earning accolades like the Queenstown SME of the Year. Toby offers a glimpse into their unique internal promotion strategy, fos...
What challenges does one face when shattering gender barriers in sports officiating? Join us for our conversation with Amy Eason, the pioneering referee who made headlines as the first woman to officiate a Central Otago Premier Men's Rugby Game. Amy shares her journey from her earliest memories of rugby to transitioning from a player to a referee after multiple injuries. She opens up about the hurdles she faced, from handling vocal crowds to earning players' respect, and how a supportive coac...
What makes Alice Robinson so fast on the slopes? Tune in as we unlock the secrets behind her phenomenal skiing season. Alice shares valuable insights into her return to top form and the pivotal roles played by her team and supportive crew. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the technical nuances that contribute to her speed, including how she has refined her body position for more consistent and powerful turns. Plus, get an exclusive look at her training regimen and upcoming competitions i...
How did a young girl from Invercargill become a legendary figure in Queenstown's tourism industry? Meet Fae Robertson, whose 65-year-long career began with an audacious move to Queenstown in 1957. Fae shares her journey from a convent school to a rougher local one and reveals how a travel apprenticeship ignited her lifelong passion for tourism. Despite her parents' initial resistance, Fae's determination paved the way for a career brimming with memorable experiences and transformative industr...
Embark on a journey to the heart of outdoor storytelling as we chat with Mark Sedon, the visionary behind the New Zealand Mountain Film and Book Festival. From its modest inception in 2002 to its present-day status as a must-attend event for adventure aficionados, Mark recounts the festival's climb to success. It's a tale of passion transforming into a grand celebration of the wild, where adrenaline meets artistry in the picturesque locales of Wanaka and Queenstown. As we gear up for the 2024...
Discover the intricate dance of the New Zealand property market as Sarah Wood, CEO of realestate.co.nz, guides us through the twists and turns of Central Otago, the Lakes District, and the West Coast regions. With her expert insight, we're peeling back the layers on why Queenstown real estate is an outlier in buoyancy, even as we grapple with high living costs and interest rates. Sarah has critical knowledge about navigating this complex market, whether you're on the hunt for a new home...
Unlock the future of Queenstown with a front-row seat to our conversation with QLDC Mayor Glyn Lewers. In a landscape where the visitor levy debate rages on and the innovative GST sharing scheme promises a financial revamp, we dissect the policies poised to redefine the region. Amidst the anticipation, skepticism lingers—will the practical execution meet the visionary planning? Our dialogue takes you behind the development veil, examining the Lakeview project and its promise against the...
When the lights dim and the projector whirs to life, there's an indescribable magic that envelops you—it's a feeling Calum MacLeod knows all too well. Our latest episode takes you on a whimsical ride through Wanaka's Cinema Paradiso, a place where community and film intertwine to create something truly extraordinary. As Calum recounts his voyage from Scotland to the charming town of Wanaka, you'll be captivated by the stories of early movie-going experiences, the inception of a cinema culture...
Otago Regional Councillor Alexa Forbes steers us through the complexities of land transport policies and their climatic crossroads. Our latest conversation unpacks the draft government policy statement's inclination towards road building and its ramifications on sustainable transport and local economies. Alexa, with a keen eye on the future, lays out her vision for infrastructure that cuts our private vehicle dependency and eases congestion in bustling areas like Queenstown. Amidst the backdr...
In this Podcast, Brent Harbour speaks with Guyon Espiner, the seasoned RNZ presenter and journalist, as he shares his insights from the 'Breakfast with Papers' panel at Aspiring Conversations. They tackle the concerning trends of news outlets like Newshub facing closure, the troubling rhetoric of 'fake news,' and the unnerving rise of AI and deepfake technology in the warping of reality. Guyon's extensive experience in the field lends a gravitas to our discussion, ensuring that listeners walk...
Have you ever pondered the moment when humanity must truly confront the impact of climate change? James Shaw, the seasoned voice on environmental action and former Climate Change Minister, joins Brent Harbour, on The Outlet for an eye-opening discussion that transcends the basic environmental conversation. They delve into the collaborative dance between communities, the energized youth, and monumental global agreements like the Paris Accord. James, with his extensive background, talks u...
Grappling with the complexities of financial management in local government, QLDC Mayor Glyn Lewers joins Brent Harbour for a discussion about the fiscal hurdles and strategies in play within the Council. As ratepayers' concerns weigh heavy on his mind, Glyn talks about the Council's approach to balancing the budget amid Three Waters reforms and infrastructural overspends. He talks through the planning, and regional collaboration necessary, to keep rates manageable wit...
Michael Glading is the Tournament Director of the New Zealand Open. We talk about his remarkable journey from caddying for Bob Charles to steering one of golf's most storied events. We explore the secrets behind the tournament's resilience, particularly during the recent pandemic, and Millbrook Resort's pivotal role in this enduring success. https://nzopen.com/tournament-info/ Thanks for listening to The Outlet. From the Queenstown App. Download here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-queenst...
Welcome to The Outlet, The Talk of Queenstown. Clare Irons, chairperson of Impact 100 Wakatipu, joins Brent Harbour to unveil the influence of unified charitable giving. With a tally of $698,500 granted to local causes since 2020, Claire's conversation is a testament that when women come together, their financial contributions become a powerhouse of support for the community. Thanks for listening to The Outlet. From the Queenstown App. Download here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-qu...
The Outlet, The Talk of Queenstown In this podcast Amanda Robinson, co-founder of the Lightfoot Initiative, takes us on a tour of the Aotearoa Bike Challenge. As someone who's traded the automotive thrills of a 'bogan', for the cycling buzz of London's streets and Queenstown's scenic routes, Amanda imparts a wealth of knowledge on the joys and environmental perks of pedaling our way through life. https://www.lovetoride.net/nz/pages/info?locale=en-GB&page=1_challenge Thanks ...
Welcome to The Outlet, The Talk of Queenstown In this Podcast, we discover two great events for Queenstown. First Brent catches up with Anna and Jo, to talk about the Chinese New Year Festivities at Ayrburn Precinct, including the Ayrburn Noodle Markets Feb 10th and 24th, and 15 days of celebration. Plus they discuss the rich traditions of Chinese culture and how that will be brought to life. Then he speaks to Elessa from Plunket and Margot from the Arrowtown Creative Arts Society, about t...
Welcome to The Outlet Podcast: The Talk of Queenstown Brent Harbour chats with Queenstown's Mayor Glyn Lewers. With a year and a half at the helm, Glyn has led Queenstown through a few challenges at the end of last year. We find out about concerns from residents and council members, what to expect from the new government and the complexities of Project Manawa. https://www.qldc.govt.nz/ Thanks for listening to The Outlet. From the Queenstown App. Download here: https://apps.apple.com/us...